The United States and Japan will step up their defence cooperation to deal with the threat from nuclear-armed North Korea as tensions in East Asia remain high, officials from the two allies said on Thursday.

Autistic boy, mum given new bridging visa

A 10-year-old autistic boy and his nurse mother have been granted a new bridging visa as the federal government considers their deportation to the Philippines.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton indicated on Tuesday morning that he might be willing to let Tyrone Sevilla and his mother Maria stay in Australia before the pair were granted a three-month visa.

Tyrone, who lives in Townsville with his mother and only speaks English, handed a petition bearing 120,000 signatures in to Mr Dutton's north Brisbane electorate office on Monday.

Ms Sevilla has been hoping the minister would intervene after immigration officials rejected their latest visa applications solely because the boy has autism and could prove to be a burden on the health system.

Mr Dutton gave strong indication he might move to help the mother and son, who have been living in Australia on various visas for eight years.

"I need to have a look at the particular facts in relation to this case," Mr Dutton told ABC radio.

"But on the details, as they are made known to me at the moment, I think this is a case where we would be able to help the family.